New coronavirus mobile testing unit to open at Highland Council headquarters in Inverness this week
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Rapid Covid-19 tests for people without symptoms will be available in Inverness city centre from this Thursday.
A mobile testing unit will be operating at Highland Council headquarters car park from 9.30am – opposite the existing test site for people with symptoms.
Authorities stress signposts will be in place.
The move is designed to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
NHS Highland's director of public health Dr Tim Allison said: “Many people who have coronavirus have no symptoms, or mild symptoms, and will be spreading it without realising. By expanding community testing we will be able to identify more cases giving us a better chance of stopping Covid-19 from spreading.
“More testing helps to show us how the virus is spread and will help us reduce risk.”
The testing unit will be available from Thursday to Saturday and then from Monday to Friday and no appointment is necessary.
The test uses a lateral flow device which is easy to administer and results do not take long. Results will be sent by text or email.
Council convener Bill Lobban said: “In Highland we will have three mobile testing units available to travel to identified locations with a team of trained staff to deliver testing for people without symptoms. Our mobile units can be deployed wherever needed.
"The units are being deployed in Inverness initially for eight days. If mobile units come to your area we encourage you to make use of the testing facilities as this will enable quick detection of any localised cases of Covid-19. It also offers reassurance for anyone concerned about potentially being an asymptomatic carrier of the virus.”
